Rita’s Italian Ice, an Italian ice concept with over 600 outlets in 21 states, announced the opening of its first international outlet at Unit 202A, Ocean Seaview Hotel, Hua Qiao Cheng, No. 3 Guang Qiao Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China. Since 1984, “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” has been the East Coast brand’s motto, and almost 30 years later, Rita’s is will serve up its custom desserts in China.

Rita’s traditional Italian ice is a frozen dessert made with fruit and is available in over 65 flavors. Rita’s Shenzhen will celebrate by offering a free traditional Italian ice for every purchase of one Italian ice at the grand opening celebration Friday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Opening our first international Rita’s is a historic milestone,” says Jeff Moody, chief executive officer for Rita’s Italian Ice. “For almost 30 years, we’ve been serving up happiness to millions of American guests, and we’re thrilled to now start spreading our unique brand of refreshing happiness to the billions of people around the world who could also use a little happiness, starting in Shenzhen, China. We’re confident the Chinese consumer will absolutely love Rita’s ices, custards, Gelatis, and more.”

The new international outlet in China is owned by Shenzhen XingHeFeng Trade Co. Ltd., Rita’s master franchisor for Southern China, who plans to open 31 Rita’s outlets over 10 years. The next Rita’s outlet opening will be in the Nanshan District at 59B Podium, Rose Garden, Phase 2 Shekou, Shenzhen.

“We are very excited to introduce Rita’s famous ice and cool treats to China and be the first international outlet for the brand,” says Xu Xue Ling, chairman for Shenzhen XingHeFeng Trade Co. Ltd. “Many have never tasted Rita’s Italian Ice so we’re introducing a unique product and flavors and hope Rita’s will be everyone’s new favorite treat in China too!”

Guests will be able to choose from numerous Rita’s ice flavors including Mango, Cherry, Alex’s Lemonade, Swedish Fish, and Cotton Candy. Rita’s cream ice, without the heaviness of ice cream, is offered in various flavors. Health-conscious guests can enjoy Rita’s sugar-free flavors.

Rita’s also offers many options that combine its Italian ice and frozen custard, including the layered Gelati, blended Misto Shake, or a Blendini, which combines ice, custard and a topping, such as Snickers.

Rita’s Italian Ice in China features the same combination of ice in an atmosphere that has stayed the same since the first Rita’s location opened, almost 30 years ago in Pennsylvania by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter.